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Bonet-Solà D, Bergadà P, Dorca E, Martínez-Suquía C, Alsina-Pagès RM. Sons al Balcó: A Comparative Analysis of WASN-Based LAeq Measured Values with Perceptual Questionnaires in Barcelona during the COVID-19 Lockdown. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 24:1650. [PMID: 38475185 DOI: 10.3390/s24051650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
The mobility and activity restrictions imposed in Spain due to the COVID-19 pandemic caused a significant improvement in the urban noise pollution that could be objectively measured in those cities with acoustic sensor networks deployed. This significant change in the urban soundscapes was also perceived by citizens who positively appraised this new acoustic scenario. In this work, authors present a comparative analysis between different noise indices provided by 70 sound sensors deployed in Barcelona, both during and before the lockdown, and the results of a perceptual test conducted in the framework of the project Sons al Balcó during the lockdown, which received more than one hundred contributions in Barcelona alone. The analysis has been performed by clustering the objective and subjective data according to the predominant noise sources in the location of the sensors and differentiating road traffic in heavy, moderate and low-traffic areas. The study brings out strong alignments between a decline in noise indices, acoustic satisfaction improvement and changes in the predominant noise sources, supporting the idea that objective calibrated data can be useful to make a qualitative approximation to the subjective perception of urban soundscapes when further information is not available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Bonet-Solà
- HER-Human-Environment Research, La Salle-Universitat Ramon Llull, Sant Joan de la Salle, 42, 08022 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pau Bergadà
- HER-Human-Environment Research, La Salle-Universitat Ramon Llull, Sant Joan de la Salle, 42, 08022 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Enric Dorca
- HER-Human-Environment Research, La Salle-Universitat Ramon Llull, Sant Joan de la Salle, 42, 08022 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carme Martínez-Suquía
- HER-Human-Environment Research, La Salle-Universitat Ramon Llull, Sant Joan de la Salle, 42, 08022 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rosa Ma Alsina-Pagès
- HER-Human-Environment Research, La Salle-Universitat Ramon Llull, Sant Joan de la Salle, 42, 08022 Barcelona, Spain
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2
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Visentin C, Torresin S, Pellegatti M, Prodi N. Indoor soundscape in primary school classroomsa). THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2023; 154:1813-1826. [PMID: 37728288 DOI: 10.1121/10.0020833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Soundscape research on indoor environments is emerging as a topic to be addressed for the design of supportive, healthier, and more comfortable spaces. Only a few studies so far addressed the context of educational buildings, mainly focusing on high schools and universities. This pilot study uses questionnaires based on pictorial scales to investigate the indoor soundscape of classrooms for primary school children (n = 130; 8-10 years old). Perceived loudness and the affective dimensions of pleasantness and arousal were explored. Besides the actual soundscape, the children's ideal soundscape was investigated as well. The results of the study indicate that the most frequent sounds in classrooms are generated by the students themselves (voices, movements) followed by the traffic. The urban context of the school modulates the children's perception when windows are open to ensure natural ventilation. Pleasantness is associated with students' age, perceived loudness, and frequency of children's voices in nearby classrooms. The frequency of hearing indoor sounds (children's voices) and sirens affects students' arousal. Our results indicate that children at school are mostly exposed to unpleasant sounds, whereas their preferred ones are music and nature-related ones. The findings have implications for the design of positive and inclusive learning environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Visentin
- Department of Engineering, University of Ferrara, Via Saragat 1, 44122 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Simone Torresin
- Institute for Renewable Energy, Eurac Research, Via A. Volta/A. Volta Straße 13/A, 39100 Bolzano-Bozen, Italy
| | - Matteo Pellegatti
- Department of Engineering, University of Ferrara, Via Saragat 1, 44122 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Nicola Prodi
- Department of Engineering, University of Ferrara, Via Saragat 1, 44122 Ferrara, Italy
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3
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Park SH, Shin HK, Kim KW. Relationship between indoor noise perception and remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0286481. [PMID: 37294739 PMCID: PMC10256214 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0286481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a major influence on working patterns worldwide, given the various lockdown periods and the shift to remote working. As people's noise perception is known to be closely linked with their work performance and job satisfaction, investigating the noise perception in indoor spaces, especially in situations where people work from home, is crucial; however, studies on this aspect are limited. Thus, here, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between indoor noise perception and remote work during the pandemic. The study assessed how people who worked from home perceived indoor noise, and how it related with their work performance and job satisfaction. A social survey was conducted with respondents who worked from home during the pandemic in South Korea. A total of 1,093 valid responses were used for data analysis. Structural equation modeling was used as a multivariate data analysis method to simultaneously estimate multiple and interrelated relationships. The results showed that indoor noise disturbance significantly affected annoyance and work performance. Annoyance with indoor noise affected job satisfaction. Job satisfaction was found to have a significant impact on work performance, particularly on two dimensions of the work performance that are crucial for achieving organizations' goals. Moreover, one dimension of the work performance had a significant impact on annoyance. The study proposed that reducing negative perception of indoor noise and improvement of job satisfaction can lead to the maximization of one's work performance when working from home.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Hee Park
- Department of Building Research, Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Hye-Kyung Shin
- Department of Building Research, Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Kyoung-Woo Kim
- Department of Building Research, Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
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4
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Yildirim Y, Keshavarzi G, Arefi M. Noise complaints, the COVID-19 pandemic, and compact developments: evidence from five American cities. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:40724-40736. [PMID: 36622602 PMCID: PMC9838491 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-023-25133-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 continues to take its toll on human life. Even though to a less threatening extent, and insignificant to some, noise turns out to be one of its consequences without consensus. While individuals experience multiple restrictions and restrain from exuberant activities by spending most of their time at home, reducing public transportation and personal vehicles, overall, they end up reduce anthropogenic noise pressure. On another level, people continue reporting noise concerns at various degrees during the COVID-19 pandemic. To draw a bigger picture as to whether or not these complaints have increased during the COVID-19 compared to the same period last year, this research examines them in five major American cities: New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Phoenix, and Dallas. Furthermore, the study also assessed the complaint patterns, whether reported in compact or sprawled areas. The findings highlight that either the noise complaints increased or decreased during the COVID-19 crisis. Accordingly, four of the five selected cities, except San Francisco, showed a decrease in reported noise. As it turns out, compact developments correlate significantly and positively with noise complaints in all study areas, except in Phoenix. These findings call for regulating and prioritizing noise-related policies. Planners and urban designers can thus advise to sustain environmental planning and public health issues, especially in planning compact developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalcin Yildirim
- Department of Landscape Architecture, Bursa Technical University, 16310, Bursa, Turkey.
| | - Golnaz Keshavarzi
- College of Architecture, Planning and Public Affairs, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX, 76019, USA
| | - Mahyar Arefi
- The National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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5
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Bergefurt L, Appel-Meulenbroek R, Maris C, Arentze T, Weijs-Perrée M, de Kort Y. The influence of distractions of the home-work environment on mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. ERGONOMICS 2023; 66:16-33. [PMID: 35311483 DOI: 10.1080/00140139.2022.2053590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Previous research showed that office workers are mainly distracted by noise, influencing their mental health. Little investigation has been done into the influence of other workspace characteristics (i.e. temperature, amount of space, visual privacy, adjustability of furniture, wall colours, and workspace cleanliness) on distractions at the office, and even fewer while working from home (WFH). The influence of home-workspace distractions on mental health also received limited attention. This research aims to investigate relationships between home-workspace and personal characteristics, distraction, and mental health while WFH during COVID-19. A path analysis approach was used, to find that, at home, employees were distracted by noise and when having a small desk. Those with a dedicated workroom were less distracted. Distractions mediated most relationships between home-workspace characteristics and mental health, while personal characteristics influenced mental health directly. Employers can use these results to redesign policies regarding home-and-office working to stimulate a healthy work environment.Practitioner summary: The investigation of the influence of home-workspace characteristics on distractions and mental health while WFH during COVID-19 appears to be limited. This research filled this gap by performing a path analysis, using a holistic definition of mental health. Findings showed that distractions mediate relationships between home-workspace characteristics and mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisanne Bergefurt
- Faculty of the Built Environment, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | | | - Celine Maris
- Faculty of the Built Environment, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Theo Arentze
- Faculty of the Built Environment, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Minou Weijs-Perrée
- Faculty of the Built Environment, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - Yvonne de Kort
- Faculty of Innovation Sciences, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
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6
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Bergefurt L, Appel-Meulenbroek R, Arentze T. How physical home workspace characteristics affect mental health: A systematic scoping review. Work 2023; 76:489-506. [PMID: 37066958 PMCID: PMC10657703 DOI: 10.3233/wor-220505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During the 1990s, voluntary teleworking became more grounded, because of expected advantages as increased productivity and comfort. However, COVID-19 obliged employees to work from home (WFH), even in unsuitable houses, which might have reduced their mental health. A holistic overview of methods and measures of the physical home-workspace characteristics and mental health is currently lacking. Insights in the potential influence of the physical home-workspace on mental health are also not yet holistically examined. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to provide insights in previously studied relationships between the physical home-workspace and mental health and to identify measures for both using a systematic scoping review. METHODS This study used the PRISMA method to systematically review existing literature. RESULTS Most studies focussed on noise, acoustics, and privacy, in relation to productivity, concentration, and sleep quality. Only a few studies used objective measures for physical home-workspace characteristics. CONCLUSION The list of relevant measures can be used by academics to examine relationships between the home-workspace and mental health further. Workplace managers can use it to help employees in optimizing their home-workspace.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisanne Bergefurt
- Faculty of the Built Environment, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Rianne Appel-Meulenbroek
- Faculty of the Built Environment, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Theo Arentze
- Faculty of the Built Environment, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
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7
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Torresin S, Ratcliffe E, Aletta F, Albatici R, Babich F, Oberman T, Kang J. The actual and ideal indoor soundscape for work, relaxation, physical and sexual activity at home: A case study during the COVID-19 lockdown in London. Front Psychol 2022; 13:1038303. [PMID: 36643696 PMCID: PMC9835560 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1038303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The period of home confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic made the importance of a high-quality surrounding environment even more evident than before. Several studies have been carried out to assess the (negative) impacts of noise on annoyance, particularly whilst working from home (WFH). The present study takes a step further by (1) investigating the positive and negative impacts of the "actual" acoustic environment on a range of activities, i.e., WFH, relaxation, physical, and sexual activities, and (2) identifying the characteristics of an "ideal" indoor soundscape. The study is based on the qualitative analysis of verbal descriptions collected from open-ended questions included in a survey administered in January 2021 to 464 respondents living in London, during the COVID-19 lockdown. The range of impacts in the actual scenario varied from no effect on task execution, to disruption, distraction, concern of disturbing others or being heard. Positive impacts included support of concentration, relaxation, motivation, freedom of sound expression, feeling of being connected to the surroundings and comforted by the presence of others, according to mechanisms described in the study. Negative appraisal could trigger coping strategies (e.g., controlling windows, playing music, wearing headphones) and behavioural changes (e.g., lowering the volume of the voice or music, muting oneself during call, changing workout type) that could in turn limit or enhance the freedom of behaviour, affect or foster wellbeing. Negative impacts were most frequently reported on WFH (by 55% of the participants), followed by relaxation activities (40.6%), sexual activities (30.1%), and home workout (20.1%). The ideal soundscape was described as a quiet, well-sound insulated environment, which guarantees access to positive sounds (i.e., natural sounds, music, urban background), thus resulting in privacy, intimacy, and a place where to express themselves without noise-related constraints. The study complements literature findings on housing design directions in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, by providing further evidence on the impacts of poor sound insulation at home, the potential benefits of nature-based solutions for positive indoor soundscapes, and opportunities for an activity-based design of domestic environments, inclusive of a broader set of home uses and household compositions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Torresin
- Institute for Renewable Energy – Eurac Research, Bolzano, Italy
- UCL Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering, The Bartlett, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Eleanor Ratcliffe
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Francesco Aletta
- UCL Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering, The Bartlett, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rossano Albatici
- Department of Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | | | - Tin Oberman
- UCL Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering, The Bartlett, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jian Kang
- UCL Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering, The Bartlett, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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8
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Riva A, Rebecchi A, Capolongo S, Gola M. Can Homes Affect Well-Being? A Scoping Review among Housing Conditions, Indoor Environmental Quality, and Mental Health Outcomes. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15975. [PMID: 36498051 PMCID: PMC9736414 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of the scoping review is to explore the relationship between housing conditions, indoor environmental quality (IEQ), and mental health implications on human well-being. In fact, time spent at home increased due to the recent COVID-19 lockdown period, and social-sanitary emergencies are expected to grow due to the urbanization phenomenon. Thus, the role of the physical environment in which we live, study, and work, has become of crucial importance, as the literature has recently highlighted. This scoping review, conducted on the electronic database Scopus, led to the identification of 366 articles. This, after the screening processes based on the inclusion criteria, led to the final inclusion of 31 papers related specifically to the OECD area. The review allowed the identification of five housing conditions [house type, age, and floor level; housing qualities; household composition; neighborhood; green spaces] that, by influencing the IEQ parameters, had impacts on the mental health outcomes addressed. By synthesizing the contributions of the review, a list of design recommendations has been provided. These will serve as a basis for future researchers, from which to develop measures to reduce inequalities in housing by making them healthier, more resilient, and salutogenic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Riva
- School of Architecture, Urban Planning, Construction Engineering (AUIC) of Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Andrea Rebecchi
- Design & Health Lab., Department of Architecture, Built Environment and Construction Engineering (ABC) of Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Stefano Capolongo
- Design & Health Lab., Department of Architecture, Built Environment and Construction Engineering (ABC) of Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Marco Gola
- Design & Health Lab., Department of Architecture, Built Environment and Construction Engineering (ABC) of Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milano, Italy
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9
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Mimani A, Nama S. A perception-based study of the indoor and outdoor acoustic environments in India during the COVID-19 pandemic. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2022; 152:2570. [PMID: 36456252 DOI: 10.1121/10.0014948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This work presents the results of a perception-based study of changes in the local soundscape at residences across India during the last 2 years of the COVID-19 pandemic and their effects on well-being, productivity during work from home (WFH), online education, anxiety, and noise sensitivity. Using emails and social media platforms, an online cross-sectional survey was conducted involving 942 participants. The responses showed that a greater percentage of participants felt that the indoor environment was noisier during the 2020 lockdown, which was attributed to increased home-entertainment usage, video-calling, and family interaction. The outdoor soundscape was much quieter during the 2020 lockdown due to drastically reduced traffic and commercial activities; however, during the 2021 lockdown, it was perceived to be comparable with pre-COVID times. While changes in indoor soundscape were shown to affect peace, happiness, and concentration while increasing annoyance, the reduction in outdoor noise positively impacted these aspects. The responses indicate that indoor soundscape changes adversely affected productivity and online education. Consequently, only 15% of participants now prefer the WFH model, while 62% have reservations about online education. In some cases, the responses demonstrate a significant influence of demography and suggest the improvement of the acoustic design of residences to support work.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Mimani
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur 208 016, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - S Nama
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur 208 016, Uttar Pradesh, India
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10
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Hasegawa Y, Lau SK. A qualitative and quantitative synthesis of the impacts of COVID-19 on soundscapes: A systematic review and meta-analysis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 844:157223. [PMID: 35810914 PMCID: PMC9262645 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.157223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The current prolonged coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has substantially influenced numerous facets of our daily lives for over two years. Although a number of studies have explored the pandemic impacts on soundscapes worldwide, their works have not been reviewed comprehensively nor systematically, hence a lack of prospective soundscape goals based upon global evidence. This review study examines evidence of the COVID-19 crisis impacts on soundscapes and quantifies the prevalence of unprecedented changes in acoustic environments. Two key-research classes were identified based on a systematic content analysis of the 119 included studies: (1) auditory perceptual change and (2) noise level change due to the COVID-19 pandemic/lockdown. Our qualitative synthesis ascertained the substantial adverse consequences of pandemic soundscapes on human health and well-being while beneficial aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic on soundscapes were yet identified. Furthermore, meta-analysis results highlight that the observed average noise-level reduction (148 averaged samples derived from 31 studies) varied as a function of the stringency level of the COVID-19 confinement policies imposed by the governments, which would be further moderated by urban morphology and main noise sources. Given these collective findings, we propose soundscape materiality, its nexus with related the United Nations' sustainable development goals (SDGs), and prospective approaches to support resilient soundscapes during and after the pandemic, which should be achieved to enhance healthy living and human well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshimi Hasegawa
- Department of Architecture, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Siu-Kit Lau
- Department of Architecture, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
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11
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Asensio C, Pavón I, de Arcas G. How the COVID-19 Pandemic Muted and Remixed the World's Acoustics for a While. CURRENT POLLUTION REPORTS 2022; 8:328-340. [PMID: 36258901 PMCID: PMC9561339 DOI: 10.1007/s40726-022-00236-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review aims to analyze the effects of the pandemic on the world's sound environment. RECENT FINDINGS The confinements associated with the pandemic led to a reduction in sound levels worldwide and a change in the perception of soundscapes in the absence of traffic noise and human-generated noise. SUMMARY In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many countries and regions around the world adopted a series of interventions in 2020 that have been referred to as "lockdown" or "confinement." These sets of restrictions had a clear and obvious consequence derived from the absence of people in the streets and the reduction of daily activity and commuting, which caused an unprecedented silencing on a large scale. Along with the silence that ensued, the pandemic and the confinements affected acoustics and our relationship with sounds on different scales. In the cities, this phenomenon had a strong reduction in acoustic intensity due to the absence of vehicles on the streets. Perhaps this was more perceptible in our neighborhoods, with notable changes in their soundscapes, first due to the absence of people in the streets and later due to more outdoor activity derived from the fear of the spread of the virus in indoor spaces. The longer periods of time spent in our homes during the lockdowns also highlighted the importance of sound insulation in buildings and the acoustic conditioning of our schools or homes.
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Affiliation(s)
- César Asensio
- Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (Instrumentation and Applied Acoustics Research Group), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio Pavón
- Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (Instrumentation and Applied Acoustics Research Group), Madrid, Spain
| | - Guillermo de Arcas
- Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (Instrumentation and Applied Acoustics Research Group), Madrid, Spain
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12
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Zhang Y, Ou D, Chen Q, Kang S, Qu G. The effects of indoor plants and traffic noise on English reading comprehension of Chinese university students in home offices. Front Psychol 2022; 13:1003268. [PMID: 36248557 PMCID: PMC9557298 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1003268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Owing to the COVID-19 pandemic, working from home promotes the importance of indoor environment qualities. With the settings and functions of home offices, an experiment was carried out to determine the interaction effects between indoor plants and traffic noise levels (TNLs) on the performance and environmental evaluations of English reading comprehension tasks (ERCTs) and the performance of short-term breaks. A sample of 22 Chinese university students (12 males and 10 females) took part in the experiment. Two visual conditions (with and without plants) and five TNLs (i.e., 35, 45, 50, 55, and 60 dBA TNL) were included. Participants’ accuracy rates, eye movements, mental workload, and feelings about the environment were collected. The mental fatigue recovery (MFR), visual fatigue recovery (VFR), anxiety recovery (AR), and unfriendly recovery (UR) were measured for the analysis of a 5-min short-term break. The results demonstrate (1) plants have significant effects on ERCTs and short-term breaks, especially at 45 and 50 dBA TNL; (2) the effects of TNLs on ERCTs’ eye movements and work environment satisfaction differ by the presence of plants, e.g., the average pupil diameter (APD), lighting and layout satisfaction; (3) The effects of indoor plants on ERCT differ by the range of TNLs. In conclusion, indoor plants are beneficial to home workers engaged in ERCT when TNL does not exceed 50 dBA. The current data highlight the importance of audio-visual interaction in home offices and provide insights into the interaction mechanism between indoor plants and traffic noise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Zhang
- School of Architecture, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, China
| | - Dayi Ou
- School of Architecture, Huaqiao University, Xiamen, China
- Xiamen Key Laboratory of Ecological Building Construction, Xiamen, China
- State Key Lab of Subtropical Building Science, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Dayi Ou,
| | - Qiu Chen
- Wenzhou Lucheng District Land Reserve and Transfer Center, Wenzhou, China
| | - Shengxian Kang
- The Department of Building Environment and Energy Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Guanhua Qu
- School of Architecture, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
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13
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Model of Demand of Human Settlement Environment for Rural Houses in North China: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach. BUILDINGS 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/buildings12070926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Numerous studies have shown that the technology used to improve the living environment in rural areas often loses its effect in a few years, and farmers return to their familiar and habitual way of life. The failure to consider the basic needs of farmers is an important reason for these problems. Therefore, this study conducted qualitative and quantitative analyses on the factors that influence the demand on the human settlement environment through visits, field measurements, a questionnaire survey (which involved more than 20 households in 14 villages in seven provinces and cities in northern China), and the construction of a structural equation model based on demand. The survey included (amongst other factors) personal attributes, daily living, diet and environmental preferences, living customs and energy consumption, housing construction methods, and the surrounding environment. The results showed that, compared with mental happiness (0.084) and physical health (0.119), socioeconomic status (0.260) had a greater influence on the weight of the overall demand satisfaction among the various demand indicators. Farmers prioritized yard planning (0.135), toilets (0.126), and living rooms (0.095). They also gave importance to the indoor thermal environment (0.088), air quality (0.088), and food problems (0.087). The findings of this study provide a theoretical reference for the inception of technical approaches to improve human settlement environment centered on rural houses in North China, and the realization of sustainable development in the future.
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Morganti A, Brambilla A, Aguglia A, Amerio A, Miletto N, Parodi N, Porcelli C, Odone A, Costanza A, Signorelli C, Serafini G, Amore M, Capolongo S. Effect of Housing Quality on the Mental Health of University Students during the COVID-19 Lockdown. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:2918. [PMID: 35270609 PMCID: PMC8910332 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19052918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 outbreak imposed rapid and severe public policies that consistently impacted the lifestyle habits and mental health of the general population. Despite vaccination, lockdown restrictions are still considered as potential measures to contrast COVID-19 variants spread in several countries. Recent studies have highlighted the impacts of lockdowns on the population's mental health; however, the role of the indoor housing environment where people spent most of their time has rarely been considered. Data from 8177 undergraduate and graduate students were collected in a large, cross-sectional, web-based survey, submitted to a university in Northern Italy during the first lockdown period from 1 April to 1 May 2020. Logistic regression analysis showed significant associations between moderate and severe depression symptomatology (PHQ-9 scores ≥ 15), and houses with both poor indoor quality and small dimensions (OR = 4.132), either medium dimensions (OR = 3.249) or big dimensions (OR = 3.522). It was also found that, regardless of housing size, poor indoor quality is significantly associated with moderate-severe depressive symptomatology. Further studies are encouraged to explore the long-term impact of built environment parameter modifications on mental health, and therefore support housing and public health policies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Morganti
- Design & Health Lab, Department of Architecture, Built Environment and Construction Engineering (DABC), Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy or (A.M.); (A.B.); (S.C.)
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Andrea Brambilla
- Design & Health Lab, Department of Architecture, Built Environment and Construction Engineering (DABC), Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy or (A.M.); (A.B.); (S.C.)
| | - Andrea Aguglia
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (A.A.); (A.A.); (N.M.); (N.P.); (C.P.); (M.A.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrea Amerio
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (A.A.); (A.A.); (N.M.); (N.P.); (C.P.); (M.A.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Norberto Miletto
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (A.A.); (A.A.); (N.M.); (N.P.); (C.P.); (M.A.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Nicolò Parodi
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (A.A.); (A.A.); (N.M.); (N.P.); (C.P.); (M.A.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Chiara Porcelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (A.A.); (A.A.); (N.M.); (N.P.); (C.P.); (M.A.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Anna Odone
- Department of Public Health, Experimental and Forensic Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Alessandra Costanza
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva (UNIGE), 1205 Geneva, Switzerland;
| | - Carlo Signorelli
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, 20132 Milan, Italy;
| | - Gianluca Serafini
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (A.A.); (A.A.); (N.M.); (N.P.); (C.P.); (M.A.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Mario Amore
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health (DINOGMI), Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (A.A.); (A.A.); (N.M.); (N.P.); (C.P.); (M.A.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Stefano Capolongo
- Design & Health Lab, Department of Architecture, Built Environment and Construction Engineering (DABC), Politecnico di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy or (A.M.); (A.B.); (S.C.)
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Torresin S, Albatici R, Aletta F, Babich F, Oberman T, Kang J. Associations between indoor soundscapes, building services and window opening behaviour during the COVID-19 lockdown. BUILDING SERVICES ENGINEERING RESEARCH & TECHNOLOGY : BSER & T 2022; 43:225-240. [PMID: 35431368 PMCID: PMC9002359 DOI: 10.1177/01436244211054443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Results of an online survey conducted during the COVID-19 lockdown among 848 home workers living in London (United Kingdom) and in Italy are reported with a focus on (1) the impacts of building services on the perception of the acoustic environment while working and relaxing at home and (2) the factors associated with window opening behaviour. The analyses showed no significant difference in soundscape appropriateness for relaxation depending on the heating, ventilation and cooling system typologies, and in soundscape appropriateness for working from home (WFH) based on the ventilation strategy. Higher soundscape appropriateness for WFH was associated with houses equipped only with radiant floors for heating in Italy and with air-cooling systems in London. In London, air systems resulted in higher perceived dominance of noise from building services compared to other systems. Overall, rooms with less dominant sounds from building services were evaluated as more appropriate for working and relaxing. The dominance of sky or buildings from the window view, outdoor noisiness, noise sensitivity, age and gender were not significantly associated with participants' window opening behaviour while WFH. Differently, participants viewing more vegetation from windows in Italy were more likely (odds ratio: 1.279) to keep the window open while WFH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Torresin
- Department of Civil Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, University of Trento, Italy
- Institute for Renewable Energy, Eurac Research, Bozen/Bolzano, Italy
| | - Rossano Albatici
- Department of Civil Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, University of Trento, Italy
| | - Francesco Aletta
- UCL Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering, University College London, London, UK
| | - Francesco Babich
- Institute for Renewable Energy, Eurac Research, Bozen/Bolzano, Italy
| | - Tin Oberman
- UCL Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jian Kang
- UCL Institute for Environmental Design and Engineering, University College London, London, UK
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16
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Aumond P, Can A, Lagrange M, Gontier F, Lavandier C. Multidimensional analyses of the noise impacts of COVID-19 lockdown. THE JOURNAL OF THE ACOUSTICAL SOCIETY OF AMERICA 2022; 151:911. [PMID: 35232079 PMCID: PMC8942112 DOI: 10.1121/10.0009324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
As part of the Agence Nationale de Recherche Caractérisation des ENvironnements SonorEs urbains (Characterization of urban sound environments) project, a questionnaire was sent in January 2019 to households in a 1 km2 study area in the city of Lorient, France, to which about 318 responded. The main objective of this questionnaire was to collect information about the inhabitants' perception of the sound environments in their neighborhoods, streets, and dwellings. In the same study area, starting mid-2019, about 70 sensors were continuously positioned, and 15 of them were selected for testing sound source recognition models. The French lockdown due to the COVID-19 crisis occurred during the project, and the opportunity was taken to send a second questionnaire during April 2020. About 31 of the first 318 first survey respondents answered this second questionnaire. This unique longitudinal dataset, both physical and perceptual, allows the undertaking of an analysis from different perspectives of such a period. The analysis reveals the importance of integrating source recognition tools, soundscape observation protocol, in addition to physical level analysis, to accurately describe the changes in the sound environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Aumond
- Joint Research Unit in Environmental Acoustics/Unité Mixte de Recherche en Acoustique Environnementale, Univ Gustave Eiffel, Institut français des sciences et technologies des transports, de l'aménagement et des réseaux (IFSTTAR), Centre d'études et d'expertise sur les risques, l'environnement, la mobilité et l'aménagemen Bouguenais, F-44344, France
| | - Arnaud Can
- Joint Research Unit in Environmental Acoustics/Unité Mixte de Recherche en Acoustique Environnementale, Univ Gustave Eiffel, Institut français des sciences et technologies des transports, de l'aménagement et des réseaux (IFSTTAR), Centre d'études et d'expertise sur les risques, l'environnement, la mobilité et l'aménagemen Bouguenais, F-44344, France
| | - Mathieu Lagrange
- Laboratoire des Sciences du Numérique de Nantes (LS2N), Unité Mixte de Recherche Centre national de la recherche scientifique 6004, Ecole Centrale de Nantes Nantes, F-44321, France
| | - Felix Gontier
- Laboratoire des Sciences du Numérique de Nantes (LS2N), Unité Mixte de Recherche Centre national de la recherche scientifique 6004, Ecole Centrale de Nantes Nantes, F-44321, France
| | - Catherine Lavandier
- Equipes Traitement de l'Information et Systéme UMR 8051, CY Cergy Paris Univ, École Nationale Supérieure de L'électronique et de ses Applications, CNRS, Cergy-Pontoise, F-95000, France
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17
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Effect of Road and Railway Sound on Psychological and Physiological Responses in an Office Environment. BUILDINGS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/buildings12010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The present study aims to explore the psychophysiological impact of different traffic sounds in office spaces. In this experiment, 30 subjects were recruited and exposed to different traffic sounds in a virtual reality (VR) office scene. The road traffic sound and three railway sounds (conventional train, high-speed train, and tram) with three sound levels (45, 55, and 65 dB) were used as the acoustic stimuli. Physiological responses, electrodermal activity (EDA) and heart rate (HR) were monitored throughout the experiment. Psychological evaluations under each acoustic stimulus were also measured using scales within the VR system. The results showed that both the psychological and the physiological responses were significantly affected by the traffic sounds. As for psychological responses, considerable adverse effects of traffic sounds were observed, which constantly increased with the increase in the sound level. The peak sound level was found to have a better performance than the equivalent sound level in the assessment of the psychological impact of traffic sounds. As for the physiological responses, significant effects of both the acoustic factors (sound type and sound level) and the non-acoustic factors (gender and exposure time) were observed. The relationship between sound level and physiological parameters varied among different sound groups. The variation in sound level hardly affected the participants’ HR and EDA when exposed to the conventional train and tram sounds. In contrast, HR and EDA were significantly affected by the levels of road traffic sound and high-speed train sound. Through a correlation analysis, a relatively weak correlation between the psychological evaluations and HR was found.
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